Delta Thunder Boat Races

Delta Thunder high speed boat racing was hosted by the California Delta town of Isleton on October 3 and 4, 2009. People gathered to view the races along the levees on both sides of the Sacramento River. These photos were taken from the Isleton public docks. The racing classes included the Sport C Class, the Cracker Box Class, SST 120 Boats, and SST 45 Tunnel Boats. The races took place between 11:00am and 5:00pm on both days, and were exciting to watch. The river was closed to traffic during the actual races, with boats being allowed to proceed between the races. The waiting boats had a front row seat to view the races, with a few dropping anchor to watch. The course was approximately one mile in total length. It was certainly exciting to watch those boats make the turns, and often they were really close. The speeds ranged from about 60mph to 100mph, depending on the class of boat. Those drivers must have nerves of steel! One of the racers, Frank Banducci of Pinole, is 80 years old, and has been racing boats since 1948. He is currently Commodore of the California Speedboat Association. Isleton locals Jim Corsaut and J.R. Rucki also raced.